HARGEISA (KAAB TV) – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), has formally addressed a letter to global leaders — including the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump — urging them to grant official recognition to Somaliland as a sovereign and independent nation.
The letter, titled “Request for Official Recognition of the Republic of Somaliland,” outlines the historical, legal, and moral grounds for Somaliland’s right to statehood.
President Irro emphasizes that recognizing Somaliland would not destabilize the Horn of Africa, but instead enhance regional peace, cooperation, and security.
President Irro opened his letter with a message of goodwill to the government and people of the United States, describing Somaliland as a “brave, resilient, and peace-loving nation” that has long awaited its rightful place in the international community.
He recalled that Somaliland first gained independence on June 26, 1960, when it was recognized by more than 35 nations, including members of the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
Just days later, Somaliland voluntarily entered a union with the former Italian Somalia to form the Somali Republic.
“The union,” Irro wrote, “was never legally ratified by the people of Somaliland and did not reflect their will. Our sovereignty was lost without consent.”
The President’s letter highlights the armed struggle led by the Somali National Movement (SNM), which restored Somaliland’s freedom in 1991 following years of oppression and conflict under the military regime of Siad Barre.
“Our people were farmers who became fighters, mothers who endured unimaginable suffering, and elders who emerged as leaders,” Irro said, paying tribute to those who fought for the nation’s rebirth.
Since reasserting its independence in 1991, Somaliland has built one of the most stable and democratic systems in the region.
The President noted that the country has conducted multiple free and fair elections, maintained an independent judiciary, and fostered a vibrant civil society — all without significant international assistance or recognition.
President Irro underscored Somaliland’s strategic location along the Red Sea, describing it as a critical hub for global trade, regional security, and counterterrorism efforts.
“Our geography makes us a natural ally in promoting peace and stability,” he wrote. “Somaliland stands firmly against terrorism and piracy, and we are committed to ensuring maritime safety in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.”
He also referenced the growing importance of the Port of Berbera, which has become a major commercial gateway connecting East Africa, the Gulf of Aden, and the Middle East.
The port’s expansion, he added, has strengthened Somaliland’s role as a key player in regional economic integration.
The President concluded his appeal by calling recognition of Somaliland a “legal, moral, and strategic obligation.”
He argued that continued denial of Somaliland’s statehood contradicts principles of justice and self-determination enshrined in international law.
“Recognition of Somaliland is not a favor,” he wrote. “It is an acknowledgment of truth and a step toward lasting peace and fairness in the Horn of Africa.”
The letter, dated May 17, 2025, was signed by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) and sent to over 120 nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and other countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
